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7 Original Ideas on How to Use the Space Under the Stairs

4 minutes
The space under the stairs often goes unused. Could it be from a lack of inspiration? Whatever the reason, there are lots of ways to take this space and make it useful.
7 Original Ideas on How to Use the Space Under the Stairs
Last update: 26 June, 2019

If you think you could use the space under the stairs in your house better, you should read this article. We’re going to give you lots of creative, original ideas to help you get the most out of all those extra square feet that would go unused otherwise.

The best ways to use the space under the stairs

Having a two (or more) story house is wonderful. But there are lots of people who don’t realize how much extra room they could have if they used the space under the stairs.

It’s almost always empty, and calls out to you to be used in some way. One of the best ideas is to solve a problem like a lack of furniture or storage space. If this sounds like your case, pay attention to these useful, interesting ideas!

1. Couch

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Do you feel like you need a place to rest in the afternoon, to meditate, or to read on Sunday mornings without anyone bothering you? Well, how about using the space under the stairs for a couch just for you?

It’s not too hard. All you really have to do is install a wooden base and then add a mat and some cushions. Or, if you have enough space, you can even put in a single bed or a loveseat. Once you do that, you’ll have your own, perfect little corner of the house!

2. Storage

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One common problem nowadays is not having enough space to store all the things you need at home. That includes everything from towels, thick sheets in the summer, extra couch cushions, or your clothes from the previous season.

There are even some kitchens in modern homes that don’t really give you enough space to store all your non-perishable food. Whatever your case is, the space under the stairs could be the answer to your problems. All you have to do is add a piece of furniture (ideally tailored to the space) with doors or drawers to put things in, and voilà!

3. A small bathroom under the stairs

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If you’ve got a really sturdy staircase, the space under it could be perfect as a small bathroom for guests. Just be careful when you have tall people over, because the ceiling won’t be very high, and will probably be diagonal!

4. An office or study

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If you have an open staircase where it’s just steps fixed to the wall, it can be a great idea to install a desk underneath. Adapt it to your needs: use it for work, put a computer there, or make it an area for your kids to do homework.

Just be careful when you’re going up and down the stairs to make sure nothing falls between the steps.

5. Shelves

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Do you have so many books you just don’t know where to put them? Do you have tons and tons of souvenirs you can’t bear to get rid of? Or, do you just like photos and family portraits? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, install some shelves under the stairs and put all that stuff there! 

For example, you can put in some shelves with lots of space between them. Or, you could install a multi-level piece of furniture that fits perfectly into the space. It’s the perfect spot to put all the things that have sentimental value for you.

6. Decorative gardens

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In modern houses, stairs often have a major role in the decor scheme. They can be supported against a wall in a contrasting color or blend into the decor. The unfortunate thing about this is that it usually leaves you with a lot of unused space under the stairs.

One great way to keep that from happening is to put in a kind of zen garden with a fountain, colorful flower pots, or even an artificial flower bed with plants in it. It will look amazing!

7. An entryway closet

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If your stairs are close to the entryway, you might want to use the space under them as a closet. That will give you an area to hang up your jackets, bags, and anything else you take off the moment you get home.

If you’re organized enough, you won’t even need to put a door on it. All you’ll have to do is add some hooks at different heights to hang up anything you need to without problems!

As you can see, the space under the stairs shouldn’t be an empty, unused area. There are loads of possibilities for it.